Urtica
( URR - tih - kuh )
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At-A-Glance InformationKnown commonly as Nettles or Stinging Nettles, this genus of plants contains both perennials and annuals. Plants produce green foliage, typically with stinging hairs. Species are native to a wide range of locales, including Asia, the Mediterranean region, Europe, Africa, and North and Central America.
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URtica Species and Varietals
The genus Urtica is the type genus member of the plant family Urticaceae, and includes around 40 distinct species. The genus name is derived from the Latin word for 'sting', referring to the stinging sensation experienced when foliage is touched. The growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species; for more information, consult the information below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Urtica cannabina (Hemp Nettle) This species of flowering herbaceous plants is native to central Asia, Siberia, Mongolia, and China, and is an introduced species in Russia and Ukraine. It typically reaches up to 60 inches tall, and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including disturbed and poor soils. Foliage is delicate and deeply cut. |
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Urtica chamaedryoides (Heartleaf Nettle) This species is native to the southeastern United States and Mexico, and is often found in woodland areas that are moist and have soil that is rich in nutrients. It produces stinging hairs on its foliage that cause an insect venom-like sting when touched. Flowers are small and green. |
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Urtica dioica (Common Nettle, Burn Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Nettle Leaf, Nettle, Stinger, Burn-Weed, Burn-Hazel) Native to Europe, temperate areas of Asia, and western north Africa, this species currently has a worldwide distribution. There are many subspecies in this group of plants, and all are perennials. They typically grow to reach between 3 and 7 feet tall when mature and in bloom, and die to the ground each winter. Flowers are greenish to brownish, and bloom in dense inflorescences. Leaves have a flavor similar to Spinach when cooked, and soaking removes the stinging chemicals from the plant, which allows them to be consumed. |
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Urtica ferox (Tree Nettle) Endemic to New Zealand, this species forms a large, woody shrub that can reach up to 10 feet tall when mature. Foliage has large spines that can result in a painful sting that lasts several days. Foliage is green, and flowers are present from November through March in the plant's native range. |
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Urtica gracilis (Slender Nettle, Tall Nettle, American Stinging Nettle) This species, native to North and South America, is a perennial plant that spreads by rhizomes, often forming dense stands. Plants can be anywhere from 1.5 to 10 feet tall when mature, and produce foliage with less stinging hairs than many other species. Leaves have a taste similar to Spinach when cooked. |
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Urtica thunbergiana (Japanese Nettle, Hairy Nettle, Biting Cat, Stinging Herb) This species is found in Japan, China, and Taiwan, where it prefers to grow in moist mountain forests. Flowers are present from July through September, and seeds ripen from August to October. In their native range, plants are used in soups, breads, or fried. |
Caring for Vanilla
Harvesting Vanilla Beans
Propagation
Bixia orellana seed pods are bright red.
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When seeds are mature, seed pods will open.
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Problems and Pests
?? plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on common garden problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
Gallery
The blooming season of this plant (February–March) is celebrated with the Mustard Festival, a series of festivities in the wine country of California (Napa and Sonoma Counties).[13]
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Videos
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All about Lipstick Trees.
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How to care for a Lipstick Tree in the garden.
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